Viking board games DALDOS / SAHKKU and HNEFATAFL. Three Complete Games. Plus Free domestic shipping

This two-sided board game set has Hnefatafl (more commonly known as Tafl, or Viking chess) on one side, and on the other side is a combination board used to play the two different run-and-capture games, the Viking Daldos, and the Sami Sahkku. . The board is hand printed, and made from hand colored and sealed duck cloth fabric, so no two are the same (the photo shows some typical stain coloring). This first printing comes in three color options: Tan with Black print, Tan with White print, and Blue with White print. The images on the boards are hand printed and are given a slightly distressed look. The set comes with all the pieces to play all three unique, and historical games, as well as instructions.

Henfatafl, or Tafl is an ancient Viking board game that was the most played game in all of Europe prior to the introduction of chess. It is identified in the Viking Sagas as an important element for a warrior to learn and play well in order to become successful. It is also one of a very few games that has uneven player starting points. The "Swedes" are outnumbered two to one by "Muscovites" at the start of the game. It is a very fun, and interesting game, with different strategies for each side.

Daldos is a two-player running-fight style game. The name most likely means "one, two", referencing the two four-sided dice that adds the element of chance to the game play. Boards dating from the mid nineteenth century have been found in southwestern Scandinavia, though the game most likely dates from earlier times. Daldos boards are often boat-shaped, hopefully my graphic gives homage to this, as well as honoring our more ancient, rock carving ancestors.

Sahkku is also a two-player running-fight game. It looks very similar to Daldos but plays very differently. Sahkku means "game of fines", the reasons being unclear. The play not only adds a third four-sided die, but also a powerful King/Queen piece that is "shared" between the opposing players!

The board is approximately 11" by 15" and the playing pieces are approximately 3/4" each. The set comes with playing pieces, pieces storage bag, fabric board, rule booklet, and storage container.